Hugh Hudson, best known for directing Chariots of Fire has died aged 86 a statement on behalf of his family said.

The London-born filmmaker died in hospital in London on February 10, following a short illness.

The Oscar-winning Chariots of Fire was Hudson’s big-screen debut and scooped best picture, original score, writing and costume design at the 54th annual Academy Awards in 1982.

A statement on behalf of his family said: “Hugh Hudson, 86, beloved husband and father died at Charing Cross Hospital on February 10 2023 after a short illness.

“He was best known for directing the Oscar-winning film Chariots Of Fire. He is survived by his wife Maryam, his son Thomas and his first wife Sue.”

Born in 1936 in London, Hudson went to boarding school before going on to study at Eton College – though he reportedly resented his association with the famous school.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

After leaving Eton, he began national service in the Dragoon Guards and remained in the Army Reserve of Officers until being discharged in 1960.

His move to the creative industry came later in the sixties, during which period he worked in a London-based advertising firm before making the move into documentaries and television commercials.

The work brought him to the attention of producer David Puttnam, who would later go on to produce Chariots Of Fire.

The film was nominated for a total of seven Oscars, including the best director nod for Hudson, and won four.

Stars pay tribute to director Hugh Hudson

Veteran stage and screen actor Nigel Havers, who played Lord Andrew Lindsay in the critically-acclaimed film, told the PA news agency: “I am beyond devastated that my great friend Hugh Hudson, who I have known for more than 45 years, has died.

“Chariots Of Fire was one of the greatest experiences of my professional life, and, like so many others, I owe much of what followed to him. I shall miss him greatly.”